Oct. 25, 2023: How life experiences shaped Mayor Yemi Mobolade; Survivor stories from Club Q
We sit down with Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade to talk about how his childhood in Nigeria shaped who he is today. First, Thomas James survived the mass shooting at Club Q. He also helped take down the attacker. Today, he reflects on that decision and why he doesn’t consider himself a hero.
Oct. 23, 2023: Answering your questions on Prop II; Elijah McClain’s mother speaks
CPR’s “Purplish” podcast explains Proposition II, regarding excess tobacco tax money. Then, Elijah McClain’s mother, Sheneen, on the verdict in the first trial for officers charged in the death of her son. Plus, the first Native American on the Water Conservation Board. And, flying insects in a warmer climate. Then, a Colorado legend joins the National Rodeo Hall of Fame.
Oct. 20, 2023: Winter outlook after a warm fall; Determination to ‘Brave the Wild River’
Colorado had a wet spring but it’s dry now. What does that portend going into the winter? Denver7 chief meteorologist Mike Nelson joins us for our regular weather and climate discussion. Then, the call goes out for teachers with unique skills. Plus, exploring Denver’s old airport tower. Also, the story of the two women who braved a “wild river.” And Colorado Wonders questions about license plates.
A wet spring gives way to a dry fall, raising drought and wildfire concerns
In their regular chat about Colorado’s climate and weather, Mike Nelson and Ryan Warner eat their words!
Denver’s old airport tower reopens for tours
Denver’s airport used to be a lot closer to the city. You’re reminded of that when you see the old control tower. And now Flyteco Brewing, which that took over the building, is giving tower tours, something we were able to do back in 2017 with a man named Mike Coulter, who worked as air traffic controller in the tower.
Oct. 18, 2023: Economic reinvention in Yampa Valley; The ‘Return of the Buffalo’
The Yampa Valley is doing some economic soul-searching, as Colorado weans itself from fossil fuels. We’ll visit a historic granary that’s been reimagined. There’s also a push for a commuter train from Craig to Steamboat. Also, CPR’s Caitlyn Kim talks with Rep. Ken Buck about his position on the House Speaker vote. And the new RMPBS documentary, “Return of the Buffalo.”
Oct. 16, 2023: High turnover among county clerks; Aurora NAACP head wants independent monitor
County clerks across Colorado are leaving office – many because of pressure from election skeptics. Then, Mesa County voters will decide whether to extend term limits for jobs including county clerk. And, Aurora NAACP head Omar Montgomery calls for an independent police monitor. Plus, an authentic Indian restaurant in Colorado Springs.
Oct. 11, 2023: Gov. Jared Polis on Proposition HH, housing, and Indian boarding schools
In our regular interview, Gov. Jared Polis says he’ll revive a landmark proposal to give the state more control over land use. The measure, designed to increase the stock of affordable housing, died in the 2023 legislative session. Then, documentarian Ken Burns on “The American Buffalo.”
Oct. 9, 2023: The town lost to uranium; Expanding compensation for atomic workers
During World War II, uranium workers across The West sacrificed their health so The Allies would win. In the small town of Uravan, Colorado, people sacrificed more than their health. We’ll get insight into the community’s history from a former resident as Congress considers broadening compensation for uranium workers. Later, people read from their teenage diaries on stage for “Mortified.”
Don’t be too ‘Mortified’ by this lesbian pirate poetry
Whitney Gaines, of Denver, took up the challenge: to read from her adolescent diaries in front of a live audience. Walk the plank with her as she shares her lesbian pirate poetry.
Oct. 6, 2023: Chef Dana Rodriguez’s culinary challenge; Making musical connections!
It might be the ultimate challenge for a chef: revamp the menu for a beloved restaurant that, oddly, was known for its bad food. We talk with Casa Bonita’s new executive chef Dana Rodriguez. Then, understanding RTD’s budgets to keep buses and trains running. And “Music Blocks” third season celebrates how the instruments themselves can create connection and community.
This chef’s challenge: Revamp the menu at a beloved restaurant (whose food people hated)
Casa Bonita’s new owners chose Chef Dana Rodriguez to revamp the menu at the Lakewood restaurant/amusement park.
Oct. 4, 2023: Colorado’s Indian boarding schools were places of hard labor and indoctrination
For the last year, Colorado’s state archaeologist Holly Norton has investigated Indian boarding schools here. From roughly 1880 to 1920, these dehumanizing, sometimes deadly, institutions were part of a broader campaign to erase native identity.
Oct. 2, 2023: How Colorado’s delegation voted to avoid shutdown; Former sheriff faces charges
Most of Colorado’s congressional delegation voted for a last-minute measure that avoided a government shutdown. Then, a former Adams County sheriff and two deputies face felony charges for allegedly falsifying training records. Also, “Vanished Denver Landmarks.”
Remembering an unforgettable Denver chef
Chef Matt Selby helped put Denver’s culinary scene on the map. He died in September at age 49. We listen back to Selby’s saucy kitchen interview, with Ryan Warner, from 2011. They met at Vesta Dipping Grill, which has since closed.
Sept. 29, 2023: Colorado braces for shutdown; At CU, Coach Prime creates a ‘movement’
We explore what a federal government shutdown would mean for Colorado, where the only thing more vast than the federal workforce are federal lands. CPR’s Washington, D.C.-based reporter Caitlyn Kim joins us. Then, ‘a movement.’ That’s how Osei Appiah, a leading scholar on race and communication, sees the energy Coach Prime, Deion Sanders, brings well beyond Folsom Field.
